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The wind blown exposed Chelker reservoir lies immediately to the North of the A65 between Ilkley and Skipton.Many interesting wild fowl and waders are regularly recorded here. The wind farm here pumps water into the reservoir from Lobwood on the river Wharfe.

This 57 acre reservoir runs alongside the A65T between Addingham and Draughton. With a maximum depth of 37 feet it sadly lacked the good shallow margins of recent years. In days gone by water levels would fluctuate and regularly expose mud flats, especially at the western end and these attracted waders, often in good numbers. Today, with the introduction of four windpumps, the water levels tend to remain high, with water being introduced from Lob Wood.

Viewing is not easy for the causeway and small car park at the west end are both private and there is only a small pull in at the side of the busy road at the east end. It is probably safest to park right off the road just past the eastern end of the reservoir and walk back to the pull in.

Chelker has had many notable records over the years, the highlight being the Sabine’s Gull present for a few days in 1987. Many excellent duck records have been recorded including Eider, Long Tailed Duck and Common Scoter. Waders once quite good when the shoreline was exposed but these have recently declined.

A few pairs of Sedge Warbler breed as do Little Grebes but the GCGs seldom breed successfully. Coots are ever present and also breed.

The winter gull roost has diminished of late but is still worth a check. It is mainly composed of Black Headed and Common Gulls with numbers of large gulls declining. Also worth a look is the impressive roost of Pied Wagtails which occurs in the reeds adjacent to the main road.